New Jersey-based singer/songwriter Jack Skuller releases his solo record My Disappearing Act EP today, August 6th, that’s available exclusively on Bandcamp (digital and CD).

The EP marks Skuller’s return with a new Americana sound after having experienced a traumatic car accident. He recorded the five songs during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic at acclaimed artist/producer Don DiLego’s Velvet Elk Studio in the Pocono Mountains.

Big Takeover is pleased to host the premiere of the tuneful and heartfelt EP in its entirety today.

Lead single “Anyhow,” which came out in June, cultivates hope and strength to keep going, even through adversity. Skuller wrote the song after experiencing a harrowing car accident in a snowstorm, while on tour in Montana.

Luckily, tragedy and serious injury were averted. But immediately after the accident, the shaken-up Skuller had to perform a two-hour concert. “I was thankful to be alive, although I couldn’t make sense of what was happening. It was strange to be in a theater that night. The accident made me realize what matters most while you are on this planet: moving forward, embracing creativity, and being with the people you love.”

His revitalized outlook gave up-tempo “Anyhow” it’s relevant hook: “There ain’t nothin’ to do now, we will get to where we’re goin’ anyhow.” The propulsive number speeds on my with Skuller’s gentle vocals riding along the restless instrumental flow.

On My Disappearing Act, Skuller showcases a new dimension in his vocals, harmonies (e.g. “Pride”), lyrics, and bass and guitar playing. About his recent influences, he notes, “In 2020, I spent a lot of pandemic downtime reconnecting with some of my favorite artists and albums – especially Willie Nelson’s And Then I Wrote and Tom Waits’ Rain Dogs.”

Through all five songs Skuller maintains his trademark rock ‘n’ roll drive, sparked by his roots in rockabilly and blues.

This is evident on the melodic and longing “Only Getting Older,” a song about coming to grips with the idea that life is more journey than destination. Western reverb guitar melds with golden guitar jangle and a peppily stepping drum beat, while Skuller sings in a bittersweet tone that grasps at the intangible…

The swaying sing-along “Pride” ambles along bucolic sonic meadows with glowing guitar note interplay, shadowy bass line, an easy-going, yet still kicky drum beat, and Skuller’s hushed, yet heart-on-sleeve vocals.

The title track “My Disappearing Act” is a melancholy standout with its mellifluous guitar flow, steady tambourine clink, and marching drum shuffle. Co-written by Skuller and art-pop singer/songwriter George Usher, the tune twists and turns like a blooming flower rooted in a rich, orchestral production.

Then there’s the swampy, bluesy, spaghetti western-tinged “Antibodies (Buy You Time)” – coincidentally written by Skuller months before the pandemic began and Covid-19 antibodies became a thing. “I wasn’t sure about releasing “Antibodies,”“ he says, “but I decided not to let Covid have exclusive ownership over the word.”

Now at age 25, Jack Skuller’s eleven-year music career (including a nod from the Songwriters Hall of Fame with the Buddy Holly Prize) has earned him a reputation for dynamic live shows and powerful recordings. With this new EP he has produced his most expressive and reflective work to date.

Previously, Skuller worked with DiLego on Freight Trains & Party Games (2019) as frontman of blues rock trio The Skullers. The LP garnered broad support with press and non-comm public radio, including multiple spins on The Rodney Bingenheimer Show on Sirius XM / Little Steven’s Underground Garage. The band also placed on many “Best of 2019” music lists.

Skuller continues his musical and personal journey as a solo artist and with My Disappearing Act that shows he’s a skilled and engaging musician who’s here to stay.

Check out the performance music video for second single “Pride,” which arrives today as well:

And take a look at the music video for “Anyhow,” which was created and produced by Skuller, and filmed mostly on the Asbury Park boardwalk in his home state of New Jersey.

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